Suspect Identified in Fatal Idaho Firefighter Ambush**

Investigating authorities reveal that Wess Roley, a 20-year-old suspected shooter behind the tragic sniper attack on firefighters in Idaho, is believed to have ignited a fire to lure responders before opening fire. The incident has left two heroes dead and another in critical condition.**

 

Authorities in Idaho have identified a 20-year-old man, Wess Roley, as the prime suspect in the ambush shooting that claimed the lives of two firefighters and injured a third in an incident that occurred Sunday. According to reports from CBS News, the tragic events unfolded when firefighters responded to a blaze at Canfield Mountain, located just north of Coeur d'Alene. Law enforcement officials suggest that Roley intentionally started the fire to draw first responders into the area for the ambush.

Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed in a press briefing that while responding to the fire, the firefighters were met with gunfire from the suspect, who allegedly utilized a high-powered rifle during the attack. Initial reports indicated confusion regarding the number of possible perpetrators involved in the shooting. However, in a search operation that included over 300 law enforcement personnel and aerial support, Roley was later located deceased near the scene of the ambush. The circumstances surrounding his death remain ambiguous as authorities have not clarified if he succumbed to self-inflicted injuries or was shot by responding officers.

"This was a complete ambush. These firefighters were caught off guard," Norris stated, mourning the loss of the two firefighters, including one from Coeur d'Alene and another from the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. The third firefighter, reported to be fighting for his life, is currently in stable condition.

The initial report of the fire was made at approximately 1:21 PM PST, followed by alarming notifications of firefighters being targeted just 40 minutes later. The fire expanded to cover 20 acres and continued to blaze into the night. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind Roley’s actions.